Designing a custom home is an exciting project, yet there are so many possibilities that you can be easily overwhelmed by the sheer number of options. When you’re designing your kitchen, the one attribute that matters more than any other is functionality. You need to know that the place you will be spending perhaps the majority of your time actually fits the way you like to cook and work. Understanding how the different kitchen components fit together to form these six truly functional kitchen layouts will help you move through the design-and-build process for your new custom home with ease.

Single-wall

Called a single-wall or “strip” kitchen, in this most simplistic version of a kitchen design, everything is lined up nicely in a row. This design could be considered the ultimate space saver as all appliances and cabinets are affixed to a single wall, leaving the rest of the space clear for an eat-in kitchen or for a corridor. One-wall kitchens are incredibly popular with our custom Laneway homes. Set your sink between your range and refrigerator for easy cleanup, and be sure to space out your major appliances between cabinets for better traffic flow.

Galley

Walking through an ultra-efficient galley kitchen may feel as though you’re on the deck of a ship, where every square inch of space is maximized. Galley kitchens are laid out in parallel, with two opposing walls of cabinets or appliances and a smooth walkway in the center. Galley kitchen designs are generally considered highly efficient and can be used by multiple cooks much more easily than the smaller and more compact one-wall kitchens.

L-shape

L-shaped kitchens are gaining popularity as they allow for an eat-in kitchen area or even a small island. This option provides for great entertainment options and works well for multiple cooks, although cooks will still be facing away from any action that’s going on in the seating area that is stationed behind them.

Horseshoe

The horseshoe, or U-shaped kitchen, is a highly-efficient option but it really does work best for single cooks. Having an additional person in this type of layout is a sure bet for bumped elbows and spilled pots as you attempt to navigate between stove, sink, and refrigerator. However, lots of corners mean the option for additional storage space, which is something that is always welcome in the kitchen.

Island

Need extra workspace or storage in your kitchen? An island may be just what the doctor ordered. While this kitchen layout doesn’t necessarily work for smaller spaces as they can become too cramped, an island works well in the right space and provides highly-functional additional storage and countertop space that can even contain an extra sink.

Peninsula

Connect that kitchen island to the wall, and you’ve got a peninsula! Whether you’re using the island space to great a G-shaped design by adding it to a horseshoe or just trying to make the best of your space, a peninsula kitchen gives you a smaller island that works well for spaces without a great deal of clearance.

When you’re ready to start designing your custom home, give PHW Homes a call! We’ll work with you every step of the way to design the laneway or custom home of your dreams. Contact us today to get started.